Mathematics
Years 7 - 9
In Year 7 Mathematics is taught to pupils in their tutor groups and are therefore mixed ability. In years 8 and 9 pupils are placed into ability sets from 1 to 3 across two blocks. All sets cover the same material but the amount of depth covered will be dependent on the ability of the group.
Years 10 & 11
In years 10 and 11 pupils will again be in sets and will follow the AQA G.C.S.E. Mathematics course. Presently they sit the modular course but this will change to the linear examination from 2014.
Advanced Level
At Advanced Level Mathematics is a very popular subject and our Sixth Form students follow the EDEXCEL modular course comprising of four core modules and two applied modules chosen from Mechanics, Statistics and Decision Mathematics. For talented and keen mathematicians there is the option to study for an additional A level in Further Mathematics.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES IN MATHEMATICS
The UKMT Mathematics Challenges
Our pupils have gained excellent results over a number of years in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenges. Selected pupils in Years 7 and 8 compete in the Junior Challenge early in the summer term; pupils in years 9, 10 and 11 take part in the Intermediate Challenge, and pupils in Sixth Form enter the Senior challenge. In addition we enter a team into the UKMT team challenge at Lancaster University.
The National Cipher Challenge
Each year in September the University of Southampton runs the National Cipher Challenge consisting of eight assignments over the autumn term consisting of challenges to decode two encoded messages, usually linked to historical conspiracy theories. Pupils race against time to gain the maximum points in competition with hundreds of other teams ( approximately 1200) from schools all over the country. Each year Westholme students enter a number of teams, or individuals, to take part in this exciting yet challenging event. Visit the website for more information at www.cipher.maths.soton.ac.uk
Trips to the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society
Each year we organise three trips to lectures given at the Manchester Lit. and Phil. Society, which is one of the oldest learned societies in the world. These lectures are given by world leaders in a wide variety of fields from engineering, science, medicine, mathematics, psychology and so on. The lectures are inspiring, thought-provoking and challenging, and they give our students serious food for thought regarding possible careers and courses of study. Visit the website for more information at www.manlitphil.co.uk
Mathematics Inspiration Days/Residentials
Students in sixth form are given the opportunity to attend a day of inspirational mathematics lectures given by leading mathematicians from around the country including well known figures such as author Rob Eastaway, Colin Wright, Chris Budd, and so on.
Other keen mathematicians have attended residential courses at Manchester University during the summer term where they have experienced new areas of Mathematics and received a taste of university life.
Yearly Numeracy Challenge
Numeracy is a vital skill for efficient, fast and accurate mental number work and it is a yearly tradition that all pupils in years 7 to 9 take part in the Westholme Numeracy Challenge. Winners receive certificates and house points based on their level of success.
Mathematics Clinics and the Mathematics Enrichment Club
The Mathematics Clinic runs twice weekly, at lunchtimes, and supports students of all ages and abilities. Pupils are always welcome to attend on an ad hoc basis, and sometimes at the recommendation of their teacher, to seek clarification and additional explanation.
The Mathematics Enrichment Club exists to encourage bright and interested mathematicians of all ages to develop their depth of knowledge via puzzles, challenges and investigations.
Westholme's new Senior Boys' School from September 2012!
